The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) expressed deep concern over the government’s attempt to prevent the people from exercising their right to vote in the local government elections.

The BASL, which requested the Elections Commission to continue to act in accordance with the Constitution in order to protect the people’s right to vote, also requested the President and the government not to take any steps that may hinder the people’s right to vote.

This was stated in a statement issued by BASL President Saliya Peiris PC and its Secretary Isuru Balapatabendi.

The BASL said a notice had been sent to the Secretary of the Ministry of Public Administration, Home Affairs, Provincial Councils and Local Government on January 09, instructing him not to accept the deposits of the candidates contesting for the local government elections until further notice thus withdrawing a circular earlier issued to accept deposits.

The full statement issued by the BASL is below: